March the 3rd, 2025 – A Međimurje cross border project with an adjacent region in Slovenia is set to boost cycling tourism in this beautiful part of Croatia.
As Međimurske Novine/Sania Bizupic writes, the Goričan Municipality from Međimurje is acting as the lead partner in the cross border project to boost cycling tourism, together with the Šentilj Municipality from neighbouring Slovenia.
The total value of the “Green Ride” cross border project stands at 1,436,809.32 euros, of which 946,120.00 euros applies to the Slovenian Šentilj Municipality, and 490,689.32 euros to the Goričan Municipality in Croatia. The grant intensity is 80%, while 20% of the project value must be provided by the municipalities themselves.
The Mayor Goričan Municipality, Emanuel Sinković, emphasised that this cross border project to boost cycling tourism has a wider scope. The desire is to improve sustainable mobility and recreational opportunities through the development of cross-border cooperation. They also want to develop the Šuderica area with additional facilities, implement and procure electric bicycles, and procure catering/hospitality and accommodation units as part of improving the overall tourist offer.
The Međimurje cross border cycling tourism project will work on developing cross-border sustainable tourism infrastructure by connecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Šentilj and Goričan municipalities. A particular emphasis will be placed on cycling infrastructure, recreational facilities and environmentally friendly mobility, thus contributing to economic development, social inclusion and innovation in tourism. The two municipalities in each side of the border hope for a positive assessment and the approval of all requested grants so that the planning of activities can be implemented as soon as possible.
Šentilj Municipality – The development of a cycling trail: The Šentilj Municipality is mainly focusing on the development of a cycling trail that will connect key locations and improve the safety and comfort of bicycle traffic.
Goričan Municipality – The development of Šuderica: This includes the development of the park space itself, and the purchase of greenery, catering/hospitality and accommodation units, and the development of infrastructure for recreation and tourism. That also involves the the installation of additional sanitary facilities, the construction of a wooden fishing pier, the purchase of parasols and deck chairs, lawn repair, tree, shrub, fruit tree and seedling planting, thereby enriching the local tourist offer.
The procurement of electric bicycles: Both municipalities in each side of the Slovenian-Croatian border will implement the use of electric bicycles to promote environmentally friendly travel and tourism.
These activities and actions are aimed at achieving the goals of this Međimurje cycling tourism project, which are related to the improvement of sustainable mobility and recreational opportunities, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life and tourist offer in the cross-border area.
